National Aquaculture Association of Guyana

The National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG) was formed in 2006 in recognition of the opportunities available in the aquaculture sector, and in response to declining catches in marine capture fisheries. NAAG is an active and dynamic public-private partnership that was formed to facilitate the establishment and growth of a sustainable aquaculture industry in Guyana.

With support from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Fisheries and international donors, NAAG has made significant progress in building the initial capacity of the sector to train emerging fish farmers, pilot new technologies, and to form strategic relationships with investors, government officials, and civil society. The group meets weekly and has become a well-known and nationally respected industry association that attracts new members on a consistent basis.

Among NAAG’s key achievements has been the commissioning of several market and commercial feasibility studies that have supported the development of the sector, focused the industry of the development of aquaculture, and enabled NAAG to confidently target the expanding U.S. market for fresh fish imports. These studies have also highlighted Guyana’s potential competitive advantages for organic tilapia farming as a niche market suitable to Guyana’s existing agricultural infrastructure, natural resources, and proximity to the U.S. market.

Continually NAAG participates by vital effort in the growing sector of Aquaculture. NAAG has weighed in with contributions to government policies towards aquaculture, has facilitated concession to the membership, facilitated the access of equipment and new Broodstock technologies, and has been a key contributor to the formulation of protein rich fish feed that dramatically improves fish growth for a competitive crop cycle.

On the 27^th of August 2007 NAAG Chairman Benni Sankar exported the first ever shipment of farmed Tilapia from the Guyana shores to New York, a watershed moment that he contributes to the help and efforts of NAAG.

The government of Guyana has worked steadily to create an enabling legislative and institutional environment to support and ensure the social and environmental sustainability of the sector. The Ministry of Agriculture is in the process of drafting a new Aquaculture Bill to ensure the appropriate environmental safeguards are in place as the sector expands. Moreover, increased financial support for the Ministry’s Mon Repos Aquaculture Research Station has enabled improved technical support to NAAG members.

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